Highlander's Charm

by Joanne Wadsworth

  “I can’t believe you’re really here.”

  “As I cannae believe you’re here. I’ve scoured this countryside, and dreamed of you every night.” Arms around her, he slapped his horse’s reins and followed her grandmother and the other warriors under the arch and across the drawbridge. Colin remained close on his rear in the single file stream as they entered the forest.

  “I’ve dreamed of you too.”

  Which did little to deter his frustration. “I spoke to your grandmother this morn at the stables.”

  “Yes, well, Nanna didn’t mention you were the Wolf in question. You also made your position about being wed to a MacIan clear last time we spoke. Why aren’t you at Duart?”

  “You’re my wife. I had to find you.”

  “And joining Mingary’s warriors was the only way?”

  “Apparently. Why is your grandmother here?”

  “She didn’t tell you?”

  “Nay. We spoke only a few words. She assured me you were safe and well, but naught else.”

  “Then you’re really not going to like hearing my news.” She gripped his leather-clad legs. “I’m John MacIan’s lost daughter.”

  “He does no’ have a daughter.”

  “He does now. I was born to John’s first wife. Nanna was holding me when my mother took her last breath, and no one here knows about my time traveling except for him and Janet.”

  “I dinnae understand.”

  “I was born in this time, only Nanna knew I wouldn’t survive my birth so she made a wish that I live, and that’s when it all began. We were transported to the future, to a time when it’s possible for such premature babies to survive. Every so often, a bairn is born under a falling star, and their silver eyes give them away. Nanna and I were both born so.” She pulled her charm from her pocket and held it in her open palm. “I’ve felt you close.”

  “I will never be far from you. You belong to me.” Her words resonated deep within him. “When I was a lad of seven, I was hunting in the forest with my father when I saw a falling star. Grief overwhelmed me in that moment, as if I’d lost something dear to me. I spoke your name, not that I understood why. I recalled that memory when the fortuneteller gave me my charm.”

  “So much makes sense now.”

  “Aye, it does. Have you spoken to MacIan about our handfast?”

  “No.” She shoved her charm back into her pocket. “That’s not a conversation I care to have, and you risk too much by coming here.”

  “Aye, your father knows me well.”

  “What of his men?”

  “The MacIan warriors I’ve come face to face with on the battlefield didnae survive our meeting.” The chilly wind whistled through the trees and he wrapped her more securely in his arms. “John should be the only one who can identify me.”

  “At the cave you said I deceived you.”

  “’Twas said in anger and I was wrong. I want my wife back.”

  “But MacLeans and MacIans don’t mix.”

  “You and I do, and I willnae hear otherwise.” The need to have her back in his arms had been all-consuming and ’twas only now he felt whole again. “There is none I desire more than you. I love you, Lila.”

  “As I love you, but even wolves should be granted their freedom, to roam where they please.”

  “This wolf wishes to roam for all time with his mate. That is the only freedom I seek.”

  Aye, never again would he lose her.

  She was his.

  For all time.

  * * * *

  Lila had to make Calum see reason. Yes, she wanted him too, but not at the expense of escalating the feud.

  They trotted out of the forest and onto the sandy shore. The waters glistened, and across the sound, the sheer cliffs of Mull stood guard like a sentinel. Their cave. It was close, a mile or two away.

  “Do you feel what’s between us, Lila?”

  “To the point of pain.” She snuggled back against him, taking what she could.

  “There is only pain when we are no’ together.”

  “My father is your enemy, even though you saved his life. Trust me, a happy family dinner isn’t on the agenda when you two meet, unless it’s your head being served on a platter. That I won’t ever allow.”

  “I’ll no’ allow it either.” Calum loosened his hold on her as two warriors galloped up from the rear and passed them. “You stay within my sight at all times.”

  “This is my clan. I’m not at any risk around them. You though, are.” Ahead, a large group of shirtless warriors trained with the bow. They aimed their arrows at a red ribbon tied around a wide trunk a hundred feet away. Each stepped forward to take his turn, their accuracy impressive as arrow after arrow lodged within the thin strip of silk. “Perhaps you should stay close to me, and I’ll protect you as I can, my wolf.”

  He chuckled in her ear. “Aye, then we’ll do it your way, as long as the outcome is the same.”

  Colin rode up and leaned in. “They prepare for battle, brother.”

  “Aye. ’Tis only a matter of time afore they attack. I’ll guard Lila while you keep alert.”

  “Will do.” Colin nudged his horse and galloped toward the makeshift corral of beams hammered between the trees along the forest’s edge.

  “They’re not going to attack, Calum, or at least that’s what I’ve been told.”

  “MacIan’s warriors have chosen a spot where they’re hidden from our watchmen at Tobermory. ’Tis clear what their intentions are.”

  “No, if you don’t attempt an attack, neither will John.”

  “I intend to take his newfound daughter. He’ll consider that a strike at his very heart.”

  “Then let me talk to him first. I can’t be the reason this feud inflames.”

  “Enlightening John will only ensure you’re locked away behind Mingary’s walls and far beyond my reach. I cannae take that risk. John is no’ to hear of my intention to steal you away.”

  Ahead, Ian dismounted then helped Nanna down from her horse. She was out of time to continue this discussion. “We’ll talk about this later. We’re not done yet.”

  “Aye, we’ll never be done, love.” Calum pulled his destrier to a halt, jumped to the ground then swung her down beside him. “I’ll escort you wherever you need to go.”

  “Ian’s under Father’s orders to do that, and he’s rather good at it too.”

  “Then I’ll work around those orders. He comes. Quiet.”

  Ian beckoned her to him. “I’ll show you and your grandmother to your tent.”

  Nanna already cut a path along the grassy forest verge toward the erected tents. “It’s all right. I can see where she’s headed. With all these warriors about, you hardly need to walk me that far.”

  He scanned the area. “Aye, though should you wander beyond this camp, ensure a guardsman goes with you.” He eyed Calum, his gaze narrowed. “Join the men in training. I’ve yet to see your skills.”

  “Aye, Captain.” Calum grasped his leather bag, slung it free of his saddle then led his mount toward the corral. Not a word of resistance had he offered. He was clearly trying to remain under the radar. Good. She wholeheartedly approved of that. She wanted her wolf to remain in one piece, with his hide intact, particularly when she liked that rounded rear of his.

  Ian strode in the opposite direction, heading toward the warriors training in the loch and swimming toward shore.

  She clutched her midnight blue skirts and hurried after Nanna, glad for the reprieve from both of the obstinate warriors. At the tent, she heaved the thick flap to one side and ducked inside. Nanna stood near the corner pile of pelts, innocently fingering the dark brown furs. “Nanna, you have some serious explaining to do.”

  “Did you not enjoy the ride, my dear?” She removed her feathered bonnet and set it carefully on top of a wooden crate next to a clay lamp.

  “Wolves are scarce, huh?” She planted her hands on her hips and tried for a stern look.

  Nanna giggled
. “How is your Wolf? I caught sight of him after your father rode out, but we didn’t have nearly enough time to chat.”

  “So he said, and I tried to give him his freedom, but he wouldn’t hear a word of it. I even told him I’m John’s daughter, but he said he’s still going to steal me away.” She untied her brimmed hat and tossed it on top of Nanna’s. “So yes, he’s well, and as stubborn as ever.”

  “He’s your mate, Lila. You should’ve expected him to come. I’ve certainly been keeping a look out for him.” Nanna hooked her arm through hers. “Come, let’s freshen up. There’s a glorious loch not far from here, one I remember well from my youth. It’ll give us time to talk.”

  “We’ll need a guard. Ian’s orders, and for that matter, the stubborn one’s as well.”

  “See, you already have an endearing nickname for him. I doubt we’ll even need to holler. Wolves can scent their prey a mile away.”

  “Prey is right.” Still, her heart lightened as they left the tent and Calum snuck in behind them. Deep in her heart, she wanted to be with him, couldn’t believe he’d come.

  They traipsed into the forest and followed the leaf-strewn path. Birds twittered overhead, and bright, dappled rays beamed through the foliage and washed over them.

  Calum prowled, keeping an eye out all around. He was so infuriatingly gorgeous with that studious frown. The way he walked, so agilely his leather pants clung to his powerful thighs, made the fabric mold every single delectable inch of him. It didn’t help her state of mind that the tails of his loose white tunic fluttered free from under his black vest and the breeze lifted the hem and gave glimpses of his golden skin. She leaned into Nanna’s ear and mumbled, “I shouldn’t want him as much as I do.”

  “One can’t help who our heart desires.”

  “Nanna.” She squeezed her arm. “I need you to offer discouragement right now. He’s a MacLean, and now he’s in danger because he came after me. Tell me how wrong our match really is.”

  “No, and you need to stop thinking about the feud and only consider the man who risks so much to get you back. Take each moment given to you and make it count. Haven’t I always taught you that?”

  “Yes, which again, is very unhelpful.” Could she accept what was and live in the moment? Oh, she truly wanted to.

  Calum’s golden gaze clashed with hers, heating her until her blood thrummed for more.

  Nanna gasped. “The loch. Look, Lila.”

  Small, private and perfectly round, its glassy surface danced with the reflection from the towering trees encircling it. “It’s beautiful. How did you know about it?”

  “Your grandfather and I stopped here one night when we returned from our honeymoon. Afterward, it was our special place and we often visited.” She lifted her bronzed skirts and knelt at the mossy edge. With her hands cupped, she dipped them into the clear water and sipped. “I adored its seclusion.”

  “Can I take a swim?” Since arriving at Mingary, she hadn’t stepped foot into the water and missed it terribly.

  “Of course. It’ll be a little cold, but invigorating all the same.”

  “You’ll come for a swim too, won’t you?” She loosened the ties of her riding jacket, slipped it off her shoulders then laid it overtop a boulder.

  “No, it’s too cold for me, and I think you and Wolf need some time alone to truly talk.” Nanna hugged her then waved over her shoulder as she walked away. “Enjoy your swim. I’ll ask Colin to guard the incoming trail.”

  So far, talk hadn’t gotten them far. Still, she shed her skirt and stockings and arched a brow at her wolf. “Are you coming in?”

  “Nay. I too will remain on guard.” Arms crossed, he stood at the edge. “Leave your shirt on. I’ll keep watch while you bathe.”

  “First, you need to learn the little lady has a mind of her own.” She shucked the white linen and smiled as he jerked his gaze away. “Now, since it’s only us, if you decide to change your mind and join me, then you know where I am.” She dove into the pool and almost lost her breath at the frigid impact with the water. It was beyond cold.

  She broke the surface, grabbed some decent air and dove again. She needed a warm body sliding against hers to bring back the heat, and quick. Lucky for her, the perfect warrior for the job was on hand, only time to see exactly how strong-willed her wolf could truly be.

  Nanna was right. She should take each moment and make it count. Kicking underwater toward the center of the pool, she remained below until her lungs were near to bursting. Surely, he’d come soo—

  A hand clamped around her ankle and dragged her upward.

  She broke the surface in a slew of bubbles and gulped in great breaths. “Well, about time, Mr. Wolf.”

  “You tempt me beyond my endurance.” With the water lapping at his waist, he leaned in and kissed her, so softly, so reverently. “You also have a beautiful mole I didn’t quite see as you undressed.”

  “Then I insist you take a good look now. You can inspect it to your heart’s desire.” With her fingers deep in his slick dark hair, she returned his kiss. “This is the most magical place.”

  “More enchanting is my wife.” The clear surface rippled as he backed her toward the edge.

  “You say that now, but wait until you see me get really cranky.”

  “I’ve no’ already?” He swept his hands over her bottom and caressed her cheeks.

  “Not by a long shot.” She rocked against the hard length of his erection. “You know, you’re very hard, and that’s mighty impressive for how cold this water is.”

  “What will be more impressive is how I put it to good use.” He tipped her back until her head and shoulders brushed the mossy bank. His gaze roamed over her chest. “So beautiful. Your nipples appear ripe for the tasting.”

  “They’re the coldest of all.”

  “Aye, I’ll warm them first, a treasure I’ve longed to taste again.” He cupped her breasts and weighed them in his hands before easing them together. Slowly, he licked her nipple and the hot stroke of his tongue sent a bolt of heat straight to her core.

  “I love that.”

  He grinned then swirled around the tip. “I love it far more.”

  “Show me.” He sucked her nipple deep into his mouth and a torrent of tingles raced through her. She grabbed his shoulders and clung. “That feels sooo good.”

  “Every inch of your skin must be cold. ’Tis my right to keep you warm.” He swept her legs apart and eased between them.

  “And to think you weren’t going to hop in.” She traced the ridged bands of his stomach. Talk about hard muscles honed to perfection. His abs rippled as she brushed the head of his cock. His shaft was thick and long and saluting her from the water. She fondled the tip then stroked to the root.

  His big arms bunched around her. “Aye, touch me as you please.”

  “The same goes for you.” She squirmed forward to bring them closer together. His chest hair tickled her breasts and she sighed with delight. Then he kissed her, hot and hard until he drove every ounce of cold from her body.

  He broke for air, and eyes twinkling drifted lower, kissing and licking until he reached her breasts again. He rolled one nipple between his lips until she arched back. “I have other places to devour.”

  “Don’t let me stop you.” The lush moss tickled her skin. “Let’s live in the moment and put our worries aside.”

  “Aye, and may every moment I have always be with you.” He stroked her legs then lifted them over his shoulders. Water sluiced off her skin and splashed into the loch. Head bent, he kissed along her inner thighs, his breath puffing hotly. He dipped his finger along her folds then rubbed her clit.

  “Please, yes please.” She grabbed fistfuls of moss. “More.”

  “You’re a brazen lass, but aye, demand as you wish.” He plunged one finger deep inside then stroked, harder and faster, until he hit that sweet spot. “Look at me, Lila. I want to see to your pleasure.”

  “I want to see yours too.” She looked in
to his eyes as she searched under the water and skimmed the hard length of his cock. She caressed his hot flesh then pumped him in time with how he stroked her.

  He moaned, long and low, the sensual sound thrilling her. Then he spread her legs even wider, licked her flesh in the most intimate way and built her orgasm to a pinnacle. Every flick of his tongue over her clit was such exquisite torture.

  “Inside me. Now,” she moaned.

  “As you wish.” He released her legs, lifted her against him and filled her completely.

  “Oooh, I wish.” She writhed as he pumped and melded their bodies together in the timeless way of lovers. Arching, she moved with each of his deeply penetrating strokes. He’d taken her over, from the inside out and she never wanted to give him up.

  “Lila, I cannae hold on much longer.”

  “I love you, Calum.” The words rushed from her as blissful spasm after spasm racked her body. He came with her, his seed shooting deep inside as she tumbled over the edge and into oblivion.

  Heart and soul, she would hold onto him.

  * * * *

  Calum cradled Lila against him as his breathing settled and his pulse slowed. He wouldn’t leave this place without her. He kissed her, claiming her mouth as he’d claimed her body. “Are you all right, lass?”

  She smiled lazily. “Wolves surely do like to do more than bathe.”

  “Aye, and this wolf wishes to mate for far longer, but we’ve been gone too long as it is.” He carried her out, and as much as he detested releasing her, set her on her feet. “Dress quickly.”

  “We still haven’t talked.” She tugged her linen shirt over her damp skin then shimmied into her blue skirt, covering up every delectable inch he’d rather have on display. “Nanna and I are only here for the night.”

  “I’ll talk with Colin, but we’ll be away soon, the three of us.” He dragged on his clothes.

  “I haven’t agreed to come.” She fastened the ties of her riding jacket then straightened the hem.

  “John MacIan could easily identify Colin and me should he arrive. You’re aware of that.” He strapped on his sword and wrist daggers. “I value my life, as I value my brother’s.”

  “He’s away until tomorrow visiting tenants and collecting rents. He isn’t coming here.”